Vald hinna veiku: Saga landhelgismálsins, 1971 – 1974

Iceland’s struggle to extend its fishing limits was a matter of vital national interest, and the story of the Cod Wars is an integral part of the nation’s history.

This book recounts Iceland’s extension of its fishing limits to 50 nautical miles and the protests that followed from other nations. It is a gripping account of larger-than-life personalities locked in a fierce confrontation. At sea, members of the Icelandic Coast Guard work relentlessly to sever the trawl wires of foreign fishing vessels. British trawler skippers curse them to high heaven, while Royal Navy frigate captains attempt to protect their compatriots but are prevented from unleashing their full force against little Iceland.

Back on land, those Icelanders seeking a peaceful settlement struggle to make their voices heard against those determined to defend the nation’s rights at all costs, arguing that agreements amount to betrayal and compromise is nothing more than a cowardly retreat.

In London and elsewhere, many are outraged by what they see as the Icelandic authorities’ disregard for international law. Iceland’s leaders are portrayed as stubborn to the point of defiance, resorting to every conceivable threat. Rarely has Iceland’s modern history witnessed such fierce confrontation as during these turbulent years.

Vald hinna veiku is a substantial, richly illustrated volume running to 594 pages. It brings to life one of the most dramatic episodes in Iceland’s modern history, a struggle in which a small nation stood its ground against a much larger power in defence of its most vital interests.

ISBN 9789935466532

Author Guðni Th. Jóhannesson

Publisher Sögufélagið, 2026

Format Hardcover

Pages 594